Afghanistan
Embassy in Ankara Resumes Operations under Islamic Emirate- Tolo News
Following the announcement by the Afghan Embassy in Ankara regarding its transfer to Türkiye, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate now states that the embassy will continue its operations. Zakir Jalaly, director of the third political department of the Foreign Ministry, said that changes in the diplomatic staff of embassies are a normal procedure. Click here to read...
$20 Million Worth of Medicinal Plants Exported: Ministry- Tolo News
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says that Afghanistan exported medicinal plants worth approximately $20 million in the past year. These plants mainly include heng and various other types, which have been exported to India, the United States, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Pakistan, Japan, and Turkmenistan. Click here to read...
Afghan are the second-largest foreign population in Turkey-The Khaama Press
The Turkish Statistical Institute has published the results of its 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System, revealing that 139,251 Afghan citizens are living in Turkey. According to data released on Friday, February 7, Afghan citizens form the second-largest foreign group in Turkey, following Iraqi nationals. Click here to read...
CSTO: Afghanistan a potential terrorist threat to Central Asia-The Khaama Press
Imangali Tasmagambetov, Chief of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), identified Afghanistan as a major source of potential terrorist and drug trafficking threats to Central Asia. He highlighted the CSTO’s decision to strengthen the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border in response to the risk of terrorism spreading from Afghanistan to the region. Click here to read...
Bangladesh
BNP to resist proposal that may hinder fair election – The Daily Star
The BNP will oppose any proposal of the Election Reform Commission if it believes the proposal would obstruct the holding of a fair election. BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said that they, after discussions with the Election Commission yesterday, have understood that the EC would be ready by May or June this year to hold the polls. Click here to read...
Not at the cost of Muktijuddho, no way – The Daily Star
The December 2024 edition of Chhatra Shibir's mouthpiece, the monthly Chhatra Sangbad (meaning student news) was themed after the mass uprising that loosely translates to "the bloody chapter of victory" (bijoy er roktakto oddhyay). One article in that magazine, discussing the downfall of tyrants through the ages (juge juge shoirachar o tader korun porinoti), states at one point, "Some Muslims participated in the Liberation War without fully comprehending the consequences. It was their failure and lack of foresight. May the Almighty forgive them.” Click here to read...
Dhanmondi 32 house demolition: Dhaka calls Delhi’s remarks unexpected, unwanted – Dhaka Tribune
Bangladesh on Sunday responded to India's remarks regarding the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Dhanmondi 32 residence, describing them as "unexpected and unwanted." Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, while answering a question, also said Bangladesh has witnessed various adverse situations in its neighbouring country but refrained from making official statements on the internal affairs of any state. Click here to read...
Command centre established to monitor law and order situation: CA press secretary – Prothom Alo
A command centre, established to intensively monitor the country’s law and order situation, has started its works from Sunday evening, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today. “The Operation Devil Hunt began yesterday (Saturday)... to coordinate the work of law enforcing agencies, the command centre is going to start its work from 6:00 pm today” he told a press briefing. Click here to read...
Bhutan
Govt. secures over 40% of grants for fiscal year 2024-25 - Kuensel
The government has received Nu 6.98 billion in external grants, representing 42.27 percent of the total external grant support projected for the first year of the 13th Plan (fiscal year 2024-25), as of January this year. At the Meet-the-Press session yesterday, Finance Minister Lekey Dorji said that the ministry expects to receive Nu 16.52 billion in total external grant support for the fiscal year. Click here to read...
Starlink’s entry brings promise, competition and concerns – kuensel
With approval from the Bhutan Information, Communication and Media Authority (BICMA), Starlink is set to enter the Bhutanese market, introducing high-speed satellite-based internet services. This marks a major shift in the country’s telecommunications landscape. BICMA officials stated that the agency carefully evaluated several factors before granting Starlink its license. Key requirements included registering Starlink as a foreign direct investment (FDI) company in Bhutan, appointing local representatives for regulatory compliance, and ensuring service quality and data privacy protection. Click here to read...
Maldives
Maldives condemns Israeli PM’s remarks on Palestinian state-Edition.mv News
Maldives government has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement suggesting the establishment of a Palestinian state within Saudi territory, calling it irresponsible and provocative. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia and rejected any remarks that threaten the kingdom’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. Click here to read...
Myanmar
NSCN-K Urges Myanmar Authorities to Refrain from Forceful Conscription of Soldiers – Ukhrul Times
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Khaplang (NSCN-K) sent a letter to the District Administrator, General Administration Department, Hkamti District, Hkamti Town, Myanmar urging the authority to refrain from forcibly recruiting new soldiers citing disruption of peace and stability of the communities. Click here to read...
YTC urges Nagaland Guv to intervene in Indo-Myanmar border fencing – North East Now
The Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) has pleaded with the Nagaland Governor to intervene in the Indian government’s decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and fence the Indo-Myanmar border. The council has termed this move an “inhuman act” that disregards the rights of the Yimkhiung people, who have traditionally lived and moved freely across the border. Click here to read...
Pakistan
IMF mission to inspect regulatory, judicial system-Dawn
The government on Sunday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was scrutinising the judicial and regulatory system as part of the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to address governance and corruption vulnerabilities. A technical mission of the IMF is in town for a week-long examination of six key governance-related sectors and institutions, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement. Click here to read...
US lawmaker Joe Wilson calls on Pakistan to release Imran Khan-The Express Tribune
US Congressman Joe Wilson has called on President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan, arguing that his freedom would help strengthen US-Pakistan relations. Click here to read...
Ishaq Dar criticises Netanyahu’s comments on Palestinian displacement as ‘irresponsible’-The Express Tribune
Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks suggesting that the Palestinian people should establish a state in Saudi Arabia, calling the statement “irresponsible, provocative, and thoughtless.” The condemnation came from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday, following Netanyahu’s remarks during an interview on pro-Netanyahu Channel 14. Click here to read...
Pakistan's IT exports surge by 28% to $1.86b-The Express Tribune
Pakistan’s IT exports have risen by 28%, reaching $1.86 billion, with further growth expected in the coming months, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Sunday. Click here to read...
Sri Lanka
No need to panic, first vehicle shipment to arrive by February 27: Importers- Daily Mirror
The first shipment of vehicles will arrive between February 25 and 27 following the relaxation of import restrictions on February 2, president of the Vehicle Importers' Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) Prasad Manage said. Speaking to the media, Manage said that importers have successfully opened new Letters of Credit (LCs) for all categories of vehicles. Click here to read...
NPP Govt. heading for political appointments to key overseas missions – Daily Mirror
Despite past criticism of politicisation of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, the National People’s Power (NPP) government is in the process of making political appointments to head key Sri Lankan missions abroad, Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read...
